Media Relations Specialist

Position Description
The Media Relations Specialist supports the UFCW National Press Secretary and contributes to the development and implementation of strategic communications plans that support UFCW’s mission and enhance UFCW’s identity through news exposure. This role will regularly interface with the press, other UFCW International departments, Local Unions, external groups, and UFCW members and non-union workers. This is a professional position that involves supporting field activities that can involve travel with little notice.

Duties and Responsibilities

Maintains UFCW’s press, clips, and press inquiries lists for tracking purposes.

Provides communications support for the development and implementation of strategic communications plans, projects, and messaging programs on behalf of the Communications Department in support of UFCW’s various campaigns.

Helps distribute statements and materials to media and contributes to the placement of op-eds and LTEs.

Takes incoming inquiries from reporters and works with press team to coordinate responses.

Schedules and staffs interviews with the press for union leaders and members.

Supports the pitching of stories to national and regional papers, magazines, long-form media outlets, TV and radio stations, and online outlets.

Identifies, screens, and trains UFCW members and non-union workers in public speaking and communications skills for media opportunities and assigned campaigns.

Develops relationships and interfaces professionally with staff at Local Unions across the country and staff at all levels of UFCW International. Interfaces professionally with external groups that have mutual interest.

Develops, edits, and proofreads internal and external communications materials including talking points, emails, press releases, op-eds, fact sheets, flyers, blog posts, text messages, social media posts, website copy, and other materials needed for assigned bargaining, organizing, and political campaigns.

Helps facilitate the coordination and on-the-ground execution of rallies, press conferences, and other public events for assigned campaigns.

Provides communications support for UFCW conferences, International Executive Board Meetings, and other work-sponsored events, including writing speeches and remarks, developing visual materials and presentations, staffing rehearsals, and providing logistical support.

Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time, in UFCW’s discretion. Employees function as a team and may be required to perform tasks usually performed by others if a team member is absent or unavailable.

Qualifications

Education:

At least two years of relevant experience or a bachelor’s degree in English, Journalism, Communications, Political Science, or Marketing is required.

Outstanding written and oral communication skills.

Experience working with media and relationships with producers and reporters is preferred.

Spanish language proficiency is preferred.

Communication Skills:

Ability to write, prepare, and edit in a creative and clear manner under limited supervision.

Experience with social media and integrated digital communications.

Good oral communication skills.

Other Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

Experience working with labor unions, on Capitol Hill, with a political campaign, and/or a national advocacy organization is a plus.

Must exercise discretion in interactions among the International, Local Unions, and members.

Must possess judgment and the ability to self-start on projects and complete them within deadlines under minimal supervision.

Job Demands:

Work often performed under stressful situations with multiple simultaneous projects.

Frequent and last-minute travel, temporary relocation, and irregular/unpredictable hours.

Working Conditions:

Normal office environment, sometimes outside.

Noise level ranges from moderate to very loud.

Physical Demands:

Written and oral communication skills, use of computer keyboard, close vision, sitting for long periods, stooping, bending, and reaching.

Compensation

Salary Range: $59,585 – $74,632

UFCW provides a generous benefits package including:

Comprehensive health insurance coverage

Life insurance with option to purchase supplemental coverage

Retirement Savings Account and 401(k) plan with employer matching

Pension plan

Dependent care reimbursement account program

Health care reimbursement account program

Transportation program benefits

Three weeks paid vacation, 12 days paid short-term sick leave, Extended Sick Leave program, paid parental leave

Prepaid Legal Plan (for DC/MD/VA only)

To apply, submit cover letter and resume to: [email protected]

Equal Opportunity Statement
UFCW believes our success rests on recruiting and retaining a diverse staff. UFCW is an equal opportunity employer. Women and people of color are encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodations will be provided pursuant to state and federal laws.